LexTalk

The morning began in a blur of sleepy excitement. By 5:30 a.m., Tony and I were racing around the house, finishing last-minute chores before heading to the airport. The air felt alive with anticipation, a quiet hum of energy that made even the mundane tasks – vacuuming floors, setting out food for our cat Juggy – feel like part of something bigger. By 7:20 a.m., with Starbucks coffee in hand and our bags packed, we hit the road, ready for the adventure ahead.

The drive to SFO was smooth, the kind of rare, effortless commute that feels like a blessing. As we neared the airport, I watched planes soar low in the sky, their silhouettes cutting through the morning light. “I love this part”, I said, my voice tinged with awe. Tony smiled and pointed out Topgolf near the airport, joking about how much fun it would be to squeeze in a game.

After parking and breezing through security, we rewarded ourselves with breakfast at Bourbon Pub. The prices were absurd, but it didn’t matter. There was something magical about this moment – the hum of the terminal, the clinking of glasses, the quiet buzz of travelers starting their own journeys.

The flight to San Diego was quick, a mere blink in the grand scheme of things. Instead of watching movies like we did last time, we brought our wedding journal, flipping through its pages and making decisions about the big day. I sipped on a blend of Aviation Gin and cranberry juice, the tartness of the drink grounding me in the moment. As we landed in San Diego, the warmth of the city greeted us like an old friend. Tony’s aunt picked us up from the airport, her smile as bright as the sunshine. She told us she had some packing to do for her upcoming trip, so she offered us her car. We had a few places to research for our upcoming rehearsal dinner. Her generous offer made it possible for us to stop at these places.

Our first stop was The Spot, a cozy little restaurant tucked in the heart of La Jolla. The parking was tight, but we managed to find a space and made our way inside. The place was quaint, with a scattering of tables and a menu that promised variety. We ordered drinks – Pizza Port beer for Tony, prosecco for me – and split a thin-crust pepperoni pizza. It was good, but the energy of the place didn’t feel quite right for our rehearsal dinner.

The Spot La Jolla | American Eatery & Sports Bar | La Jolla Cove

As we drove away, debating our next move, something caught our eye: a charming restaurant called Queenstown Village. Its whimsical exterior, adorned with lush greenery and twinkling lights, seemed to call out to us. Just as we were admiring it, a parking spot opened up, as if the universe itself had conspired to bring us here.

From the moment we stepped inside, we knew this place was special. The air was filled with a quiet magic, the kind that makes you feel like you’ve stumbled into a hidden world. Plants hung from the ceiling, their leaves casting dappled shadows on the tables below. Everything about it was perfect – elegant yet inviting, vibrant yet serene.

We spoke to Paul, a staff member who exuded warmth and enthusiasm. He answered all our questions, and by the time we left, I turned to Tony and said, “This is it. This is the place.” He quickly agreed and squeezed my hand with excitement. It felt like finding a missing puzzle piece, the kind that clicks into place with satisfying certainty.

Queenstown Village

That evening, we changed and headed to Harbor View Loft for our food tasting. The venue, perched by the water, offered breathtaking views, but the food was a mixed bag. Some dishes we’d been excited about fell flat, but we reminded ourselves there were still plenty of options to explore. Despite the hiccups, the experience felt meaningful – a step closer to the day we’d been dreaming of.

Outdoor & Indoor Wedding Venue in San Diego | Harbor View Loft

The next morning, we woke with purpose. The San Diego Courthouse was our destination, where we would pick up our marriage license. The courthouse buzzed with couples; their joy palpable in the air. Watching them exchange vows, we felt a deep sense of connection, as if we were part of something much larger than ourselves. For a fleeting moment, we considered eloping right then and there, swept up in the romance of it all.

After leaving the courthouse, we stopped at Bruegger’s Bagels for breakfast. The sandwiches were hearty, the cold brew refreshing, and the experience felt like a quiet celebration of the morning’s milestone. From there, we headed to our production meeting with Derek, our wedding planner.

Bruegger’s Bagels Scripps Ranch | Bagels, Coffee, Breakfast

This meeting was transformative. As we sipped wine and discussed timelines, seating arrangements, and menus, the pieces of our wedding began to fall into place. The weight we’d been carrying lifted, replaced by a sense of clarity and excitement.

Personal Touch Dining: Award Winning San Diego Catering Company

With the logistics sorted, we decided to spend our final afternoon at the beach. We found ourselves at Waterbar San Diego, a restaurant and bar overlooking the ocean. The view was mesmerizing – waves crashing against the shore, surfers gliding effortlessly across the water, seagulls swooping through the salty breeze.

Waterbar San Diego | Pacific Beach Restaurant & Bar with an Ocean View

We ordered dinner: a double smash burger for Tony and a clam chowder bread bowl for me. The food was delicious, but it was the sunset that stole the show. As the sky turned shades of pink and gold, we sat in silence, holding hands and soaking in the beauty of the moment.

Later that evening, we said thank you and goodnight to his aunt. She was leaving the next morning very early for her own trip, and didn’t want to wake us then.

The next morning, we took an Uber to the airport. Once again, security was a breeze. We had some time before our flight, so we celebrated with breakfast and mimosas at Urban Crave. The server was kind and attentive, and the experience felt like the perfect end to our trip!

Urban Crave, San Diego – Menu, Reviews (282), Photos (27) – Restaurantji

Now, as I sit on the plane heading back to SFO, I can’t help but reflect on the magic of these past few days. From finding the perfect rehearsal dinner spot to picking up our marriage license, every moment felt imbued with a quiet sense of wonder.

This trip wasn’t just about wedding planning – it was about discovering the extraordinary in the ordinary, finding joy in unexpected places, and building a life together, one magical moment at a time.

As much as we loved San Diego, there’s no place like home. I can already picture Juggy waiting for us, ready to remind us that no matter where we go, the best adventures always end up with a purring cat in your lap.